9月10日, 2024年——昆达·南帕萨25年, an international student from Zambia, 第一次来到bet亚洲365欢迎投注, she brought with her a rich global perspective shaped by living in South Africa, 突尼斯, 科特迪瓦, 现在是美国. She says her experience as a "third culture kid"—someone raised in a culture different from that of their parents or country of nationality while living in yet another environment—led her to pursue a double major in fashion merchandising and French and a minor in psychology.

“I heard about Marist through a friend who recently graduated, and he told me about the great 时尚项目昆达说. “I decided to apply because of the 时尚项目, the school’s closeness to the city and home, 还有我朋友的熟悉.”

在过去的夏天, Kunda took her passion for fashion and culture to the next level by securing a prestigious internship with Guzangs, a platform dedicated to celebrating African fashion and heritage. In her role as a fashion communications intern, she became deeply involved in curating mood boards, 整理衣服, and coordinating between Guzangs and Marist to help prepare for an upcoming exhibit on African fashion.

为 Kunda, this experience was more than just an internship; it was a deeply personal project. “‘Made in Africa’ isn’t just a slogan to me—it’s a story I feel called to tell,昆达说. “This exhibit is an opportunity to illuminate the continent's diversity and inspire others to view fashion through a more inclusive lens. My love for home, and the many places I’ve called home, fuels everything I do.”

这个展览, titled “Alternative Realities: Modern and Contemporary African Fashion, 从欧洲大陆眺望,” will run from September 12 to November 15 in Marist’s Steel Plant. Curated by Guzangs and directed by Marist Fashion Gallery Director 索尼娅·罗伊, it will feature 14 acclaimed designers from across Africa, highlighting the fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary, 可持续的做法. Kunda’s involvement has been instrumental in ensuring the show’s authenticity, helping to manage aspects like catering, 社交媒体, and the overall immersive experience.

Professor 索尼娅·罗伊 and Kunda Nampasa '25 at Steel Plant. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/bet亚洲365欢迎投注.

“有一次我听说了这个展览, I contacted Guzangs to inquire about their internship opportunities,昆达说. “为了展览, 我将管理各个方面, including catering and 社交媒体, and creating an immersive environment that showcases the cultural significance of African fashion while emphasizing its modern innovation and historical roots.”

Roy praised Kunda’s contributions, noting that her work behind the scenes helped shape the exhibit's atmosphere, offering the Marist community and beyond a firsthand look at the innovation and cultural significance of African fashion.

“This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to engage with the innovative and culturally rich world of African fashion,罗伊说. “It provides Marist and surrounding communities firsthand exposure to the diverse and dynamic landscape of African fashion, equipping students with valuable insights for the international fashion market.”

As Kunda looks forward to the exhibit’s opening, she reflects on how her global upbringing continues to shape her academic and personal journey. “Each place I've lived has added something unique to my story, and this exhibit is a way to bring all of that together,”她说。.

看到 more information on the Guzangs exhibit set to begin later this week at Steel Plant.